I’ve had a couple of ideas I’ve been dying to try, so when I realised I was going to have a bit of time today, I decided to make the most of it and experiment. I particularly wanted to try doing a cupcake with a soft centre or a filling, and I really wasn’t sure how it would go.

You know those dishes that you make and excel at? The ones you always get requests for? Vanilla Slice. That’s mine. The thing is, I detest it. I think it’s gross. Anyway, I was playing with the idea of Vanilla Slice cupcakes. A light vanilla cake, with a custard filling, and a passionfruit buttercream topping.

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up as a member of Swancon Thirty Six | Natcon Fifty. Online payment is now up and running, so you can pay online using the Paypal links provided, or register for membership online and send us a cheque in the mail.

You have until 18 April to take advantage of our earlybird rate of $150/$120, and the earlier you sign up, the longer you have to take advantage of the generous 10% discount from Planet Books and Fantastic Planet.

Sunday was my Swancon day. It was only going to be a couple of hours, but I took the gorgeous up on her offer and hitched a lift in the morning, so it was the entire day. And for once, we were both kid free, so we just got to casually hang out, which was awesome.

Had a leisurely lunch with and and we were joined by Narelle, who I met very briefly Friday night, so it was great to get to know her a little better.

Somehow during the afternoon a cunning, and perhaps slightly evil shanghaied both and I into presenting Tin Ducks. Not quite sure how that happened, but I figure we were both thoroughly ’ed. 🙂

The 2011 launch went well. At least from our perspective 🙂 People seem excited about the guests! And the venue! So fingers crossed we can pull it off now 😀 No, seriously, we are so excited about this, and we have all these great little surprises in store to keep releasing along the way.

The dinner break followed the launch, and then it was Tin Duck time. Next to , and in their pretty, sparkly dresses, I felt kind of underdressed*, so I just had to rely on my Space Cadet boots to carry me through 🙂

So that was pretty much my Swancon experience. Good fun, as usual, but also pretty quiet, which was really what I needed.

*Note to self: When attending a con, even if only for a short time – take some glam!

Despite not really attending Swancon this year, thanks to starting my new job, in true Swancon tradition,I seem to be doing the sleep deprivation thing rather well.

I did put in an hour and a half last night for the Scary Kisses launch, as had asked me to make some cupcakes, (thanks to for taking the photo) so I took them up. Due to the lack of sleep, and the need to start work at 0030 I decided I’d be safer taking the train, figuring I could sleep on the train. Tusk was on duty last night and was on my Perth bound train, so I didn’t get a snooze on the way up, but since I’d really only spent about an hour with him during the day, it was a win. I must say, walking through Wellington St Station with a large batch of cupcakes was an interesting experience 🙂 The station was crowded with happy Western Force fans, and I don’t think I have ever been propositioned so much in my life 😀 It’s impressive what a cupcake will do ;P And thanks to who was kind enough to chauffeur me to and from the station. And yay, coz I got to meet in RL 🙂

I have actually slept nearly six hours today, but only had 3 or 4 hours for the two preceding days, and the sleep debt is starting to accrue so I’ll be having an early night tonight to prepare me for my one day of Swancon tomorrow 🙂

What contributions has Australian film and television made to the field of spec fic? Movies, TV shows (adults or kids) and even animation- I know a lot some of the obvious ones, so I’m particularly after those little gems that never made it overseas.

So give me suggestions, people – and I’m not too pedantic on what I would call spec fic.